President Donald Trump stated in a series of recent tweets that a vote on a Republican Party (GOP) replacement health care plan for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) won’t take place until after the 2020 elections.

GOP’s Health Care Plan

President Trump’s tweets stated that the ACA’s deductibles and premiums are “far too high” and that a replacement is needed. He continued to state that the GOP’s replacement plan for the ACA will have “far lower premiums (cost) [and] deductibles” and will be “much more usable.” He also affirmed that the GOP’s plan would support those with pre-existing conditions.

These tweets came one week after the president directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support a federal court ruling that the ACA is unconstitutional.

What does this mean for my organization?

While the recent developments may seem like major health care change is on the horizon, employers and employees can expect things to remain the same for the time being. You can expect that health care will be a hot topic on 2020 campaign platforms.

As such, all existing ACA provisions will continue to be applicable and enforced. Although the individual mandate penalty will be reduced to zero beginning in 2019, employers and individuals must continue to comply with all other applicable ACA requirements. Read More

There are certain foods that can increase the chances of keeping your brain healthy as you age. If you want to remain mentally sharp as you age, consider adding the following foods to your diet:

Glucose

• • Your body metabolizes glucose when eating healthy sugars and carbohydrates.
• • Opt for fruits that are rich in natural sugars.

Fish

• • Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for good brain function and development.
• • Fish is linked with a lower risk of dementia and stroke, can help slow cognitive decline and can enhance memory as you age.

Nuts and Chocolate

• • Nuts are rich in vitamin E, which is attributed to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.
• • Dark chocolate (consumed in moderation) contains antioxidants, which can enhance concentration.
• • Opt for an ounce of nuts and chocolate daily to reap the health benefits without consuming excess calories.

Avocados and Whole Grains

• • Avocados and whole grains enhance blood flow to stimulate brain cells.

Blueberries

• • Blueberries protect the brain from stress and may reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• • Blueberries may increase your learning capacity and motor skills as you age.

Apples

• • Apples are rich in the antioxidant quercetin, which protects against Alzheimer’s disease. Don’t peel your apples, though, as the skin contains the most quercetin.

Spinach

• • Some studies have shown that spinach can prevent and even reverse memory loss.
• • Spinach is high in folic acid, which protects against Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

Iron-rich Foods

• • Iron deficiency negatively affects learning, memory and attention.
• • Eat dark, leafy greens, beans, lean meat and soy to boost the iron in your body. Read More

According to a Gallup poll, 70 percent of U.S. workers aren’t engaged at work. This statistic should alarm employers across the country, as low engagement means employees are not committed to their own success in the workplace, let alone the organizations.

Investing in employee engagement might seem unjustifiable for a business that is focused solely on profits, as it might not recognize the benefits of engaged employees. One simple and cost-effective way that you can improve employee engagement at your organization is by improving and expanding your communications strategies.

Typical benefits and workplace communications can be bland and difficult to understand, but they don’t have to be. The key messages for each topic in an effective communications plan should be simple, relatable and actionable—and presented in a variety of content formats that you can use to communicate through multiple channels.

By implementing a multichannel communication strategy, where you use posters, emails, flyers, and videos to communicate company and benefits information, your message will reach more employees. This will help employees feel more informed about your company, which, in turn, will improve their workplace engagement.

For more information on multichannel employee communications, contact Deutsch & Associates, LLC today. Read More

The April 15 deadline to file your 2018 tax returns will be here before you know it. If you’re like many Americans, hearing the phrase “tax season” can induce stress—and for good reason. Filing your taxes can be confusing, but, with the help of a tax professional, it doesn’t have to be. In addition to contacting a certified tax professional, review the following information.

How to File

Many people elect to file their tax returns electronically. This can be done in a variety of ways, including using tax-preparation software, consulting a tax return professional or using the IRS’ Free File software, if you qualify.

Forms to Include

If you are filing with a paper form, there are certain documents you must be sure to include. Read more